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Once shamefully neglected, Haydn's piano sonatas are enjoying a much-needed renaissance on record…
For the richly experienced John Lill, Haydn's music is demonstatably of the highest quality, his quirkiness never toppling into facetiousness and often suggesting darker undercurrents and emotional ambivalence. Most sterling of British pianists, he leaves high-flying virtuosity to others and his impeccable technique and musicianship make a superb case for a choice of works that, significantly, stresses the more speculative side of Haydn's nature. True, his way with No 49 in E flat could sound stolid to those used to a more alert, bright-eyed approach, yet it could also be thought nobly self-effacing and distinctive. And as if to balance things out Lill concludes with the great and final E flat Sonata, adding warmth, affection and brilliance (in his hands the finale is an effervescent tour de force).
Bryce Morrison (Published by Gramophone Magazine, July 2007)
Rating:  [5 of 5 Stars!] |
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